The tribe of the times

As each generation becomes more liberal, writes Suzanne Harrington, is there anything left to rebel against?

IF YOU once hoped that you would die before you got old, I bet you’re glad you didn’t. Living fast and dying young is all very well in terms of becoming a legend, but it’s a bit final — the great thing about this generation of middle-aged groovers is that we have not been required to give it all up.

Unlike previous generations, sensible cardigans are not obligatory at 50; tribal culture has stretched to include everyone from preteens to grandads. There is no cut-off point at which it is no longer allowed — ancients like Mick Jagger and Bob Dylan show no desire to retire, attracting audiences as corporate as themselves.